The influence of disclosure of an autism diagnosis on peer engagement and interactions for a child with autism in summer camps: a case study

Abstract

Purpose Little research has evaluated how disclosure of an autism diagnosis influences peer engagement and understanding of children with autism in community recreation programs. This study describes outcomes of disclosing an autism diagnosis for a child with autism participating in mainstream, community summer camps. Methods This case study includes a 9-year-old boy diagnosed with autism who participated in two camps, one in which he disclosed and one in which he did not disclose. Quantitative data on peer engagement states and reciprocal interactions were coded through structured behavioral observation of video recorded on the first, second, and last day of each program. Qualitative interviews about perceived outcomes of disclosure were completed with the child with autism, camp leaders, and peers in the disclosure camp. Results Peer engagement and reciprocal interactions improved following the disclosure protocol and continued to improve on the final day of the camp, which was not observed in the non-disclosure camp. A key qualitative theme revealed that changed behavioral attribution was the main contributor to improved inclusion following disclosure. Conclusions This study provides preliminary data to support that disclosure may be a simple intervention to improve peer engagement and understanding of children with autism in community programs. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder are at high risk of experiencing social exclusion, especially in community programs. A disclosure protocol (disclosure + explanation for behaviors) could be a simple intervention to facilitate peer acceptance and inclusion of children with autism, however this intervention has not been evaluated in a real life context. This study provides preliminary evidence to support the use of a simple disclosure protocol for families who want to disclose, within short-term community programs.